MBLL’s asset donation program is music to recipients’ ears
Life’s Journey employees play congas and timbales from MBLL’s asset donation
program.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) prides itself on the creative ways we are able to partner with communities, non-profits, and charitable organizations in the spirit of being Good Together.
Recently, seven Manitoba organizations received a welcomed gift of gently used, musical instruments and equipment through MBLL’s asset donation program, as it was no longer being used on Casinos of Winnipeg stages.
“We were absolutely thrilled,” said Melissa Novecosky, Director of Development, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (Royal MTC). “When we saw the list of equipment that was available, we immediately jumped at the chance to apply.
“The hand-held mics, wireless mics, and in-ear monitors were items that were on a long wish list that we didn’t think we were going to get to for a while. So, the opportunity to be able to access this kind of equipment at no cost to us is huge,” said Novecosky. Royal MTC’s portion of the musical equipment donation is valued at $69,400.
“Most of the donation we received will be used for our main stage, but some in-ear equipment and wireless monitors may also be used for the regional tour. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries has been an unbelievable partner for us for many, many years.”
In total, MBLL allocated $169,190 in musical instruments and equipment to seven organizations that successfully applied to its asset donation program. This consisted of 50 unique items including drum kits, snare drums, congas, drum shields, guitar amplifiers, wireless microphones and in-ear monitors, instrument stands, and assorted cables.
“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to find several organizations that can make use of this donation,” said Kari DeGroot, Manager, Community Support. “We hope this equipment will help these groups do what they do best, which is what MBLLGoodTogether strives to achieve.”
2024 – MBLL Asset Donations
- Brandon University School of Music - $21,030
- École Communautaire Aurèle-Lemoine (St. Laurent, MB) - $6,200
- Life's Journey Inc. - $2,900
- Rainbow Stage - $32,050
- Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - $61,400
- West End Cultural Centre - $30,910
- Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra - $14,700
Total donation amount - $169,190
Life’s Journey Inc. is a non-profit social services agency operating in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Steinbach. It offers support to people with diverse abilities, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, along with their families and communities. Life’s Journey Inc. received three conga drums, four timbale drums, and a set of bongos with a combined value of $2,900.
“Music is a powerful tool for healing with the people we support,” said Peter Robillon, Drop-in Coordinator, Life’s Journey Inc. “There are many people with past trauma who will benefit from playing an instrument and maybe even showcasing their talent. We also have musically inclined participants who just don’t have the means or opportunity to play instruments at home or in the community.”
This was the first time Life’s Journey Inc. applied to MBLL’s asset donation program and Robillon described the application experience as running very smoothly.
“The instruments we received are in excellent working condition and the whole process was easy and seamless. We thank Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for choosing our agency!”
At one time, both casinos supported main stages and lounges that featured musical acts requiring each site have its own sound system and musical equipment. Today, all main stage entertainment takes place at Club Regent Event Centre and artists bring their own instruments to patch into the venue’s sound system.
“We took stock of our assets and recognized we’d accumulated a significant amount of equipment over the years,” said Craig Schneider, Manager, Event Centre Operations. “While it served us well, it no longer aligned with our business model. We decided to consolidate our production assets at Club Regent Event Centre and phase out the older equipment.
“As part of the process, we recognized the older equipment still had great value and could really benefit non-profit venues and organizations,” said Schneider. “We’re proud that we continue to adapt to our customers’ needs while knowing these instruments have found new homes and are giving back to Manitobans in new ways.”